EFFECTS OF SEA WATER ON CONCRETE

Abstract

Abstract : Concrete exposed to sea water is wetted by a solution of salts-- principally sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate. Damage to concrete, if it occurs, usually results from failure to use good practices in concrete construction, and often is the result of freezing and thawing or wetting and drying as much as or more than the results of the effects of sea water as such. Magnesium sulfate may attack most, if not all, of the constituents of hardened portland cement paste, especially the aluminate constituent; chlorides may promote corrosion of steel; and alkalies may participate in alkali-aggregate reaction.